Blue Tetra - Tyttocharax cochui Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Blue Tetra (Tyttocharax cochui) holds a unique position in the aquarium trade due to its rarity and frequent taxonomic confusion with its relative, Boehlkea fredcochui. Their accidental discovery is quite a serendipitous event. They were initially imported to Germany in April 1949 as live feed for predatory Leaf Fish; some of the transported juveniles survived the journey, revealing a previously unrecognized Dwarf Tetra species to science.
Characterized by their vibrant, iridescent blue and silvery hues and translucent bodies, Blue Tetras are both dynamic and notably serene, presenting no behavioural concerns within a communal aquarium setting. To ensure their thriving existence, it is recommended that these schooling Tetras are kept in groups of at least eight, as solitary specimens may suffer from elevated stress levels, heightening their vulnerability to disease.
It is essential to provide an aquarium setup that precludes cohabitation with larger piscivorous fish and crustaceans to protect the Blue Tetras from becoming prey. If breeding is desired, it is optimal to either dedicate a separate tank for their propagation or ensure their tank mates are similarly non-predatory and diminutive in size.
For the aquascape, an abundance of plant life is beneficial, offering ample concealment for these Tetras and fostering conditions that could potentially support reproductive activities. Optimal conditions would include dimmed lighting and a dark substrate to mimic their natural habitat, enhancing the visual appeal of their colouration and ensuring a comfortable environment for the Blue Tetra.
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Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Blue Tetras presents a subtle challenge, as sexual dimorphism in this species is not pronounced. Generally, males may be identified by their more slender body conformation, which contrasts with the females, who exhibit a fuller, more robust body profile that becomes accentuated as they mature.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Tyttocharax cochui |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1950 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Tyttocharax |
| Origins | Brazil Peru Peru |
| Approx Max Size | 2 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 3 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.5 - 7.0 |
| GH | 1 - 8 |
| ℉ | 73 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
Blue Tetras possess a geographical distribution that is predominantly confined to Peru, with its range extending marginally into adjacent Brazilian territories within the Amazon Basin. These diminutive Tetras are typically found in the shallow peripheries of stream banks situated in primary forest regions. Their preferred habitats are richly vegetated with aquatic flora and marsh vegetation and are often strewn with decaying plant matter and submerged branches. This environment provides not only the essential cover but also a rich source of food, facilitating their natural behaviours and ecological requirements.
Breeding
Regrettably, successful captive breeding of Blue Tetras has not been documented, and details of their reproductive behaviours remain largely unknown. However, it is understood that Blue Tetras engage in internal fertilization during their spawning process.
Diet & Feeding
The dietary habits of Blue Tetras are predominantly insectivorous in their natural setting. In the wild, their diet consists largely of small invertebrates and zooplankton, illustrating their preference for high-protein food sources.
In an aquarium environment, it is crucial to replicate this diet to maintain their health and vigour. A well-balanced feeding regimen for these Dwarf Tetras should include a variety of live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and microworms. These can be complemented with high-quality flake foods or micro pellets designed for small tropical fish, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients.
Care should be taken to provide food in small quantities that can be consumed within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. Offering a diverse array of foods not only meets their nutritional requirements but also encourages natural foraging behaviours and contributes to the display of their optimal colouration and activity levels within the aquarium setting.
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Published: 08 Nov 2023
Last Updated: 08 Nov 2023